09 Nov Youtube and Dentistry

Many years ago at Graduate School in Boston we were taught that the patient is an integral part of the treatment process. One mustn’t lose sight of the fact that it is the patient who is going through extensive treatment. The patient needs to be relaxed and confident that the treatment that they want will be done to their satisfaction.

The dictum taught to us was “inform before you perform”. An informed patient is essential. Informing the patient of the proposed treatment takes time and care by the dentist in ensuring that the patient fully understands what is to be done. There are many ways to explain to a patient conveying the necessary information that they need to make an informed decision. Painting a word picture or showing a diagrammatic chart are ways of effective communication. The patient needs to be allowed the opportunity to ask questions.

We live in an information age with access to knowledge with a push of a button. You probably landed on the site through Google but don’t forget how much more can be gained by YouTube.

How does one use YouTube to empower you to find the knowledge that you are looking for. The answer is to type in keywords like ‘implants”; “gum disease”;” dentures”; “extractions; et cetera et cetera.

Many times the videos are directed to practitioners themselves and not to the lay public. However there is much to be gleaned from YouTube.

Please feel free to contact us should you require more information to answer your questions.